Consultant Spotlight: L. Denise Jackson

Favorite part of being a consultant?

Creating the best solution and impact every time a contract is won. The company and their vendors, as well as each employee and their families, are affected by the work I do and the quality of my efforts.

What is the secret to managing a successful proposal?

Organization. Being transparently organized so that no matter what, there is no confusion regarding document versions, where the proposal is in the process, and how to find necessary content if a critical team member is unavailable. Being organized touches every part of the process in a quiet but critical way. The smallest things can cause the biggest anxieties when our brain power needs to be reserved for solutions, strategies, and successful submissions.

Any tips for writing a winning proposal?

Knowing the client’s solution well and knowing the competition’s suspected approach equally as well, if not better. This is a competition, so you need to know how to stand out and get the business with a plan to retain it.

Biggest proposal pet peeve?

Ignoring the process. Processes are in place for a reason and when people do what they want and create more work for the writers and editors, the proposal’s quality is at stake. Sometimes I just have to ask, “What level quality are we shooting for when we submit this proposal?”

Where was your last vacation and what was the highlight of the trip?

Ocean City, Maryland. Not having to dial in for a meeting and just being able to enjoy the water, beach, and having fun with my family and extended family.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have a few but I became well-versed by being my sister’s hair stylist after her massive ischemic stroke about 8 years ago. To save money and give her the freedom of having her hair freshly styled when I took her out on Saturdays, I would use the rehabilitation’s salon and do her hair. She was even surprised! I think she was simply shocked I didn’t spray water in her face while I was washing her hair in the bowl. In 2016, I received my Natural Hair Certification. Now in my spare time, I make wigs for people who have hair loss or just want to give their own hair follicles a rest.

If you could meet anyone in the world (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

I would love to spend a month with my maternal grandmother. The women in my family are very independent in a humble and quiet way. Knowing only my paternal grandmother who died when I was 8 years old, I didn’t have a full set of grandparents growing up. My mother said she was a no-nonsense woman but I would love to learn some life lessons from her in her voice.